On September 17, 2026, SN Nuclearelectrica SA (SNN) and Nucleoelectrica Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NASA) signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation in the operation and development of CANDU 6 technology.
Both SN Nuclearelectrica SA and Nucleoelectrica Argentina Sociedad Anonima operate CANDU 6 technology; both companies possess capabilities, technical expertise, and relevant experience in engineering, operation, maintenance, major project management, life extension, nuclear safety analysis, and the operation of CANDU 6 nuclear reactors.
Furthermore, Nucleoelectrica Argentina Sociedad Anonima has completed the refurbishment of the Embalse plant—which utilizes CANDU technology—while Nuclearelectrica is currently in the second phase of the Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 refurbishment and the second phase of the Units 3 and 4 project implementation. Both parties intend to contribute to strengthening the nuclear industry by sharing best practices derived from their respective experience in operating CANDU 6 technology.
The collaboration and exchange of experience between the two companies represent a tangible advantage for the Cernavoda NPP Unit 1 refurbishment project and reaffirm Nuclearelectrica’s commitment to implementing the project to the highest standards. Thus, the parties will explore opportunities in areas such as: technical aspects related to CANDU 6 technology, reactor life extension, refurbishment and modernization processes, materials engineering, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, process and control instrumentation, nuclear safety analysis, fluid dynamics, reactor physics, support for new unit construction, commissioning experience, etc., leveraging the experience gained over time and a shared commitment to development.
The two companies will establish a Steering Committee responsible for driving the workflow that supports the exploration of opportunities and the further development of their cooperation.
“Cooperation in key technical areas between two operators of CANDU technology represents an effective bilateral contribution to the continuous improvement and development of operations—drawing on established practices and lessons learned—as well as refurbishment processes, project implementation, and the commissioning of new capacities; essentially, it is a peer-review process yielding concrete, medium- and long-term bilateral benefits. Both companies possess extensive experience in operating CANDU 6 technology and are dedicated to strengthening the nuclear industry at both local and global levels, having made significant contributions over the years. I value this partnership and am confident that the technical teams from both companies will achieve notable results,” says Mihai Gioară, Director of Development and Shareholding Management.
Nuclear energy plays an essential role in ensuring energy security, supporting the supply chain, and fostering broad economic development, while building a foundation of expertise is a necessity with long-term impact.
